(IDEX Online) - The 9th edition of Antwerpsche Diamantkring's Antwerp Rough Diamond Days got off to a strong start on February 14 with rough sales taking place at a brisk pace on the opening day.
Keen interest was shown by visiting Israeli and Indian buyers, as well as by local Antwerp dealers and cutters, at the event at the Kring, Antwerp's rough diamond bourse, which concluded on February 15.
"Antwerp's 2017 diamond trading figures of $46 billion show the strong fundamentals of the Antwerp market place and make Antwerp still the Diamond Capital of the world," the organisers said in a statement.
"Several rough traders who exhibited in previous editions had sold out of goods almost prior to the opening and were already registering for the 10th edition of the Antwerp Rough Diamond Days' from May 16-17, 2018."
Antwerpsche Diamantkring President Freddy Inzlicht stressed in his opening remarks that the board of the world's only rough diamond bourse was committed more strongly than ever to improving trading conditions and business opportunities for members and for the international rough markets. "You don't get to host a 9th edition of a trade fair in today's market if you aren't adding value for your members, exhibitors and buyers."
The bourse's statement cited one exhibitor as saying: "This is the only show where everybody leaves the trading hall with a smile. Business is clearly being done."